Happy Valley Casino Posted Its Lowest Monthly Revenue to Date in September

Update 5:46 p.m. Oct. 19, 2026.

Happy Valley Casino recorded its lowest monthly gaming revenue to date in September, despite an influx of visitors to the Centre Region that accompanied three Penn State football home games during that time.

According to figures released on Monday by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the casino at the Nittany Mall reported $2,042,124 in revenue for the month, the lowest among Pennsylvania’s 18 casinos. Among the five category 4 “mini casinos,” the next lowest revenue was Parx Casino Shippensburg with $3,538,665, while the highest was Hollywood Casino York with $10,585,678.

“As we continue to establish a strong foundation for Happy Valley Casino, our focus remains on building consistent, sustainable performance by listening to our guests and adapting to their needs,” Peter Longi, Happy Valley Casino general manager, said in an emailed statement to StateCollege.com

The casino, Longi said, has introduced several improvements since late September, including a refreshed menu at the venue’s sit-down restaurant, Aces Social, and changes to the table games area, including adjustments to the layout, expanded hours and an updated game selection based on guest feedback.

“We’ve also introduced Wednesday Music Bingo and have been encouraged by the response, with attendance doubling week over week,” Longi said.

“These efforts reflect our commitment to continually improving the guest experience and giving people more reasons to visit and return. Building awareness and consistent visitation takes time, and we remain focused on making thoughtful adjustments to support the property’s long-term success.”

Happy Valley Casino’s previous low revenue was in August, when it brought in $2,256,552. Since its first full month of operation in May, when it reported its highest total of $3,613,600, the casino’s revenues have declined each month, with the exception of a $98,679 bump in July.

The start of Penn State football season, drawing fans from around the country who sell out area hotels, was expected to provide a boost in visits to the casino.

Happy Valley Casino monthly revenue:

• May: $3,613,600
• June: $2,409,617
• July: $2,508,296
• August: $2,256,552
• September: $2,042,124

Slots generated $1,618,690 in gross revenue for September, down from $1,850,717. Table games, meanwhile, were up slightly with $423,434 compared to $405,835 a month earlier.

The casino is currently averaging about $2.6 million in gross gaming revenue per month.

If the current monthly average stabilizes, Happy Valley Casino is on pace for about $30.8 million in gross gaming revenue for its first year. A third-party impact analysis commissioned by College Township last year projected “gaming revenue potential of $66.1 million in the first full year of operations” in 2027.

Happy Valley Casino opened on April 27 following two test days and after years of planning, legal battles with a competing gaming company and about a year and a half of construction on the estimated $120 million redevelopment of the 94,000-square-foot former Macy’s anchor spot at the mall.

The smoke-free casino is open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., though its 30 table games are open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon Friday through Sunday. It has 600 slot machines, with permission for as many as 750.

Since opening, Happy Valley Casino has undergone several notable changes.

General manager Eric Pearson, who was brought along by developer and Penn State alum Ira Lubert to shepherd the casino’s development, left his position less than two months after opening.

Saratoga Casino Holdings, which acquired majority ownership of the venue from Lubert’s SC Gaming in January, described the departure as a planned move. Longi was named the new GM in August.

Aces Social, was originally open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., but its hours have since changed to 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and closed Monday and Tuesday.

Lucky Break Cafe, a quick-service dining option, was originally planned to be open during all casino operating hours, but is now open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

A vocal contingent of detractors have maintained long-running opposition to the casino, saying they are skeptical of the economic benefits and that they believe those will be outweighed by gambling addiction, especially among students at nearby Penn State, an influx of crime and a strain on local resources.